The UFC has attempted to go above and beyond to make Noche UFC (UFC 306) an event for the ages that will no one will forget in a hurry.
From the moment that Dana White started hyping the event up as a once in a lifetime spectacle, there have been high expectations for the first combat sports event that will be taking place inside the Sphere.
One thing that fans who are in attendance this Saturday can expect is a greeting from the boss himself, as well as several fighters, via the use of holograms in the lobby of the Sphere.
A press release provided more information on this additional feature for the fans.
“Top names from the UFC roster will appear in life-size, volumetric 4K in Proto machines for fans to interact with in the lobby of Sphere. UFC CEO Dana White will also appear in hologram form. It is the first time Proto holograms have been used in the world of MMA. It will give fans an unprecedented selfie experience with their heroes. It is also the first time Proto will be used inside Sphere.”
MMA Fans React To Dana White & UFC Fighter Holograms For UFC 306
There has been some criticism regarding UFC 306, even if the event sounds like it’s going to be fairly unique and distinct from regular PPV cards.
The promotion has certainly spent a lot of money to deliver that, largely thanks to the backing of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority, which is sponsoring the event as part of Riyadh Season.
Fans on social media reacted to the news that, going along with all of the new bells and whistles that have been added for Saturday night, holograms are now in on the act also.
“If no one slips in a ‘Help me, Obi-Wan Kenobi-you’re my only hope.’ Opportunity lost.”
If no one slips in a "Help me, Obi-Wan Kenobi-you're my only hope." Opportunity lost.
“Tickets to UFC Noche: $3,000 UFC Noche Fighter Merch: $250 Food and Drinks at the Sphere: $450 Having hologram Dana White scream at you that Jon Jones is the P4P number 1 as soon as you enter the Sphere: PRICELESS!”
In 2013, UK MMA pioneer Dan Hardy retired from competition after being diagnosed with Wolff–Parkinson–White syndrome, which meant he wouldn’t be cleared to fight.
Hardy would later find out and reveal five years down the line that a second opinion from a different doctor revealed that with him not feeling any of the effects of the condition, he could’ve continued fighting.
Instead, the former UFC welterweight title challenger had already began his career as a commentator and analyst, which would eventually lead him to the Professional Fighters League (PFL).
As a key figure in the promotion as both a color commentator and the head of fighter operations for PFL Europe, Hardy is playing a pivotal role in helping to structure the promotion.
“The Outlaw” spoke in a recent interview with Sky Sports about wanting to bring in a “masters division” for older fighters who want to continue competing. Instead of fighting the next wave of upcoming contenders, they’d be facing opponents who are ay similar stage of their careers.
In fact, Hardy himself would be open to the idea of competing in that bracket.
Dan Hardy Teases Potentially Competing In ‘Masters Division’ In The PFL
Hardy has wanted to make a combat sports return for many years now, but in every instance, the fights or plans have fallen through for various reasons.
However, competing under the PFL banner against fellow legends and veterans of the sport would appear to be the most realistic and suitable option for an MMA comeback.
When asked whether he would put himself forward for a masters division, Hardy said that he has recently tried to speak to the PFL about having him step back inside the cage.
“Hey, why not? Yeah, why not. I actually said to the PFL the other day, we were coming out of an event and I said, ‘Look, like, I’ll dust off and come back for another 12 months,’ and I gave them three or four names. I’d be like, ‘Look, this is a good little selection of names.’”
When asked if he was being serious, he doubled down on the idea of competing once again to cap off his 36-fight pro career.
“Yeah, I’ll always fight. I’ll always fight, I love fighting, I love the adrenaline rush of it. I love the ‘do or die’ feeling of a fight, it’s the singlemindedness. You’re getting in there, you’re throwing techniques and you know, you’re hoping that your game plan is going to be the one that is victorious. I’m a little bit older now, absolutely, but of course, if we’ve got a masters division and I’ve got a few good ideas in mind…”
Sky Sports’ Nik Hobbs questioned whether Hardy would be willing to reveal any of the names that he put forward to the PFL. After some hesitation, he named former UFC lightweight champion Anthony Pettis as a potential opponent.
“Not right now, no. But, well, I will say Anthony Pettis has always been someone I’ve had a lot of respect for and his name has been thrown around a few times regarding a future opponent for me. So maybe that’s an option, but we’ll see.”
In the champion Sean O’Malley, you have an incredibly dangerous striker who is always calm under pressure and reads fights incredible well. Merab Dvalishvili, meanwhile, is a perfect counter part to that and swaps aesthetically pleasing offense for an unbreakable will and never-ending gas tank, which he uses to overwhelm opponents from bell to bell.
In many ways, the two men are the perfect counter to one another and that provides the question: who will be able to implement their specific skillset the best?
This clash of styles that goes back to the earliest days of mixed martial arts is something that John Kavanagh referenced when weighing in with his thoughts.
John Kavanagh Breaks Down UFC 306 Main Event, Picks His Winner
Speaking to Lucky Block in a recent interview, the head coach of Conor McGregor described the upcoming bantamweight title fight as a “throwback.”
Both O’Malley and Dvalishvili are capable in all areas but there’s no denying where they are at their best, which just so happens to be their opponent’s kryptonite in this fight.
“I’m really, I’m really looking forward to that. In MMA today it’s usually two guys that are quite well skilled everywhere. And this one I feel is a bit of a throwback to when you’ve somebody very skilled in striking versus somebody very skilled in grappling, so the classic striker versus grappler. If Merab is unable to close that distance, he’s going to be in a lot of trouble. If Merab can close that distance and start chaining his takedowns together, he’s got the most incredible gas tank. He just goes and goes and goes. If he’s able to get attached, Sean’s in a lot of trouble. So it’s a very interesting fight for me as a fan and as a coach.”
Kavanagh followed up his thoughts on the matchup by giving his prediction for the fight, leaning toward the belt staying in O’Malley’s possession thanks to his lethal striking.
“If you were to put a gun to my head for a prediction, I do think Sean will catch him. He’s such a sharp shooter. He’s got fantastic striking and I could see him landing some of those big stray shots. He has a win over Merab’s teammate Aljamain Sterling so I’m sure that Aljamain is helping out Merab a lot in the preparation for this but Sean is on a real run at the moment and I could just see him getting that finish.”
Topping the lineup will be reigning UFC Bantamweight Champion Sean O’Malley, who is tasked with getting the better of the surging Merab Dvalishvili if he’s to record a second successful title defense and stall the Georgian’s bid to exact revenge for his teammate Aljamain Sterling’s loss to “Sugar” last year.
Before they go to battle, the co-main event will see Alexa Grasso making a defense of her flyweight gold at the Mexican Independence Day celebration for the second straight year. After her Noche UFC headline rematch with Valentina Shevchenko ended in a draw in 2023, the pair will complete their trilogy inside the Sphere after coaching opposite one another on this year’s edition of The Ultimate Fighter.
Also set to make the walk on Saturday night will be the likes of featherweight fan favorite Diego Lopes, former 135-pound title challenger Irene Aldana, and highly touted youngster Raul Rosas Jr.
Ahead of the event, you can get some help from the group of experts at MMA News by checking out their predictions for the Noche UFC 306 main card here.
Noche UFC 306: O’Malley vs. Dvalishvili Betting Odds
Listed below are the latest betting odds for UFC 306 (as of 9/13), courtesy of DraftKings.
Main Card:
Sean O’Malley (-125) vs. Merab Dvalishvili (+105)
Alexa Grasso (-130) vs. Valentina Shevchenko (+110)
Brian Ortega (+164) vs. Diego Lopes (-198)
Daniel Zellhuber (-230) vs. Esteban Ribovics (+190)
Ronaldo Rodriguez (-155) vs. Ode’ Osbourne (+130)
Preliminary Card:
Irena Aldana (-115) vs. Norma Dumont (-105)
Manuel Torres (-135) vs. Ignacio Bahamondes (+114)
One of the most notable names on the Bellator roster has announced that, after six years with the promotion, his contract has expired.
Yaroslav Amosov is the former Bellator welterweight champion and still has a lot left to give in his career at just 31 years old.
Prior to losing his title to Jason Jackson in his last outing, which marked the first defeat of his professional career, Amosov compiled a staggering record of 27-0. That run included with wins over the likes of Logan Storley, Douglas Lima, and Roberto Soldić.
The Ukrainian was inactive throughout 2022 after joining the likes of Wladimir Klitschko, Oleksandr Usyk, and Vasiliy Lomachenko in defending their country against the Russian invasion.
He returned in 2023 to defend his title, putting on a dominant performance in a rematch with Storley that led to conversations regarding whether he was the best in the world at his weight.
Yaroslav Amosov Announces End Of Bellator Run, Teases UFC Future
Amosov announced the news via his own Instagram account. He reflected on his time under the Bellator banner and spoke about what could be next for him.
With nine fights in the promotion, he was able to announce himself on the global stage, and despite not competing since last November, wherever he ends up is sure to produce an anticipated debut.
“Friends, my contract with @bellatormma has ended. It was an unforgettable 6 years. A time that will be etched in my heart forever. Thank you all 🙏 soon I will announce my next actions! Unforgettable emotions during winning the title, even greater while defending it, the first defeat in 11 years, the war in the homeland… but I’m sure it’s only made me stronger 👊🏼 it’s all a small part of a big story. This is not the finish line, this is a new beginning.”
In the second part of the caption, Amosov spoke about being excited to continue his career but being “ready for a new phase.”
His final words teased that the UFC could be his next destination after he signed the post off with “See you in the octagon.”
A hunch or a leak? Dustin Poirier’s teammate appeared confident when predicting a month and opponent for his farewell fight in the UFC.
It initially appeared as though fans had seen Poirier make the walk for the final time this past summer. After a vintage knockout of Benoît Saint Denis in March, the former interim UFC lightweight champion had one last opportunity to achieve undisputed status.
But while he gave it his all through four rounds against Islam Makhachev at UFC 302 in Newark, “The Diamond” succumbed to a rear-naked choke in the final frame of the pay-per-view main event.
The veteran’s Octagon interview suggested that an official retirement was on the way, but the fire beneath Poirier has not fully diminished. And after pondering a farewell fight, the Louisianan has appeared to make that decision final.
A man who knows Poirier well from their ongoing stint as teammates over at American Top Team recently picked one out…
Dawson Predicts Poirier vs. Gaethje 3 In February 2025
During a recent interview with MMA News’ Ryan Jarrell, Dawson spoke on the current status of Poirier’s career and apparent plans to compete one final time before hanging up the gloves.
While reiterating his belief that “The Diamond” is not yet done, “KGD” predicted a February 2025 return for his ATT training partner but insisted that didn’t come from a place of insider knowledge.
“I think he’ll fight in February. I don’t have any insider information,” Dawson told MMA News. “I don’t know anything. There’s no (set) date or anything like that. I just don’t think he’s done. I’ve texted him a couple times and he sounds like a man who wants to fight again.”
But when pondering a date for his own next appearance inside the Octagon, the same month reared its head…
“Let’s do February, on Dustin’s card.”
In terms of an opponent, Dawson was 100 percent certain in stating that a rumored clash with former ATT standout Colby Covington is not on the table. Instead, the 30-year-old displayed a grin while producing a different name.
“I know for a fact he’s not fighting Colby Covington. I called him and asked him about it, and he said, ‘Heck no.’ He said something a little worse than ‘heck,’” Dawson said, before smiling and taking a long pause when asked who he thinks Poirier will face. “Justin Gaethje.”
Shot-in-the-dark prediction, educated guess or a statement of fact? We’ll let you decide.
Regardless, it would appear that Poirier’s mind is indeed made up and that his memorable championship clash with Makhachev won’t mark the final chapter in his story.
I will.
Once more into the fray, into the last good fight I’ll ever know. Live and die on this day, live and die on this day https://t.co/N9H3j2OR5p
Tasked with aiding in an unforgettable night are a pair of championship headliners, the second of which will see bantamweight kingpin Sean O’Malley top the lineup in defense of his gold against the in-form Merab Dvalishvili.
The Mexican Independence Day celebration will also see one of the country’s own defending her title, with Alexa Grasso completing her trilogy with all-time great Valentina Shevchenko in the co-main event.
Elsewhere, fast-rising featherweight fan favorite Diego Lopes and former two-time title challenger Brian Ortega give their matchup a second go, while the likes of Irene Aldana and Raul Rosas Jr. also take to the cage.
Noche UFC 306: O’Malley vs. Dvalishvili Weigh-In Results
Noche UFC 306 takes place Saturday, September 14 at the Sphere in Las Vegas, Nevada. The main card begins at 10 PM ET/7 PM PT, with the preliminary card starting at 7:30 PM ET/4:30 PM PT.
See above for a replay of the Noche UFC 306 weigh-ins via MMA Fighting, and check out the full results below!
Main Card:
Bantamweight Championship Main Event: Sean O’Malley (135lbs) vs. Merab Dvalishvili (134lbs)
Former two-time UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya is high on the striking of Sean O’Malley, and he thinks Merab Dvalishvili will be in trouble if he finds himself in front of it for too long.
Two pieces of gold will be on the line, with O’Malley’s second defense of the bantamweight title set to follow the trilogy fight between flyweight elites Alexa Grasso and Valentina Shevchenko.
“The Last Stylebender” paid close attention to the headliner, assessing how the champ will handle a smothering grappling style from the challenger that he branded similar to that of the great Khabib Nurmagomedov.
Despite high praise for Dvalishvili, however, Adesanya is backing O’Malley to find the knockout blow as the Georgian enters range in pursuit of a takedown.
“Aljo (Aljamain Sterling) couldn’t get him down, and Aljo trains with Merab. I’m sure Merab might get him down, but Sean will probably get back up. And if he (Dvalishvili) doesn’t get him down, he’s in trouble,” Adesanya said. “Styles make fights. Merab’s style is not Aljamain’s style. When we trained together, he had a different pace, cardio, and different energy as well. … Sean can fight. I’ve seen him in round four, round five look clean. But Merab is like, Khabib-esque. He’s a mauler.
“While Sean’s finding his groove, Merab’s gonna put it on him and just try to take him down. If he gets him down, it’ll be just when Sean gets tired,” Adesanya continued. “When you know someone is coming for a takedown constantly, you can find it, you can find the shot, and Sean can find the shot. … Yeah, I’m gonna go Sean by TKO.”
O’Malley will look to prove Adesanya’s prediction correct come fight night in Las Vegas by sending Dvalishvili to the same fate as teammate Sterling fell to in August 2023.
Former interim UFC lightweight champion and BMF titleholder Justin Gaethje is beginning to look ahead to his return fight.
Gaethje entered 2024 riding high off the back of a memorable knockout victory over Dustin Poirier in Salt Lake City the previous July. The result saw the Arizona native avenge his 2018 loss to “The Diamond” and collect the symbolic BMF title in the process.
Although he hoped to subsequently add the 155-pound crown to his trophy cabinet, Gaethje took a detour to put his BMF belt on the line opposite featherweight legend Max Holloway.
Gaethje has since been allowing himself the necessary time to recover and recuperate, but he’s now getting that ‘itch’. And while sidelined, the 35-year-old has compiled a group of names he thinks can help get him back to the top…
Gaethje Open To Oliveira, Poirier Rematches Or Hooker, Volkanovski
During a recent media scrum, Gaethje provided an update on his current status and plans to return to full-contact training following the scary knockout he suffered last time out.
“The Highlight” acknowledged that he is raring to go and could be back in sparring by the end of October. With that, he’s looking ahead to his next matchup and has four names in mind for his pursuit of returning to the championship fray.
“I said I was gonna take six months before I sparred. it’s been four, and I’m gonna have a difficult time making it to six months ’cause I’m itching,” Gaethje said. “I think I’m gonna give it another month before I spar and then get back into camp. So we’ll see.
“There’s kind of like, another opportunity for somebody like how Dustin Poirier stepped in. There’s not a clear contender. Obviously I have to fight, but if I win, I’m right back in there,” Gaethje continued. “Dan Hooker (makes sense). I have a list. Hooker, (Charles) Oliveira, Poirier, and (Alexander) Volkanovski is a list of four people that I think — any of those would do for me what I need to do to get back in the picture.”
Of note there is a possible trilogy fight with Poirier, against whom Gaethje has gone 1-1 inside the Octagon.
We’re deep into Noche UFC (UFC 306) fight week, meaning it was recently time for the fighters set to be in action on September 14 to take to the stage and answer some questions.
Setting the stage for the headliners will be another title fight, with reigning flyweight queen Alexa Grasso looking to record a second victory over the great Valentina Shevchenko in their trilogy, which comes after their rematch ended in a draw at last year’s inaugural Noche UFC event.
As is customary during major fight weeks, the athletes took to the stage on Thursday for the pre-fight press conference. The Noche UFC edition saw every fighter set to make the walk inside the Sphere in two days’ time with mic in hand.
Check out a replay of the presser below via the UFC’s official YouTube channel, followed by all the highlights and faceoffs.
Noche UFC 306 Pre-Fight Press Conference Stream
Noche UFC 306 Press Conference Highlights
"Dreams come true!"@MerabDvalishvil has been waiting a long time to fight for the belt 👊
Belal Muhammad recently had a change of heart regarding his pick for the Noche UFC 306 main event.
O’Malley is poised to put his UFC bantamweight title on the line against Dvalishvili in the headlining bout of one of the year’s most anticipated pay-per-view events, set to take place at the Sphere in Las Vegas, Nevada, this Saturday.
Meanwhile, Dvalishvili rides an impressive 10-fight win streak, boasting wins over former champions such as Petr Yan and Jose Aldo. “The Machine” had been campaigning for a title shot for some time, and his wish was finally granted after a commanding victory over former two-division titleholder Henry Cejudo at UFC 298 this past February.
Initially, the defending champion was labeled as the underdog against Dvalishvili, but as fight week unfolded, the tides shifted, and O’Malley emerged as the betting favorite for various reasons.
Likewise, “Remember the Name” has also experienced a shift in perspective, now leaning towards a different pick for the upcoming showdown…
Muhammad Revises His Pick for O’Malley vs. Dvalishvili Showdown
During a recent interview with MMA legend Demetrious Johnson, Muhammad weighed in on the O’Malley vs. Dvalishvili title fight. The newly crowned UFC welterweight champion admitted that just a month ago, he believed “The Machine” had what it took to dethrone O’Malley.
However, after some reflection, he’s now leaning towards “Suga”, confident that O’Malley’s precise, well-timed striking will be enough to counter Dvalishvili’s relentless wrestling and secure his title defense.
“If you’d have asked me maybe a month ago, I would say Merab’s gonna wrestle, and Merab is on another level,” Muhammad said. “Especially with his last fight, beating Cejudo the way he did, but I’ve swayed—I’m picking O’Malley in this fight. I think he’s a sharpshooter; he’s so good at moving laterally. Merab gets hit a lot in a lot of his fights, and he’s been rocked a lot. He’s a ‘Machine’, so he’ll walk through those punches, but I just think that O’Malley hits differently than anybody he’s fought.”
“He has so much confidence after knocking out Aljo, who I think has better striking than Merab. Merab is very wild when he runs in, and even with his takedowns, he’ll sacrifice defense just to shoot in and grab a hold of you. Once he grabs a hold of you, it’s gonna be a long night, but I think that O’Malley has been training for him. He knows how to do that back step. I think I see Merab walking into something.”
“Remember the Name” expressed concerns that Dvalishvili seems to be prioritizing social media promotion over his actual training, implying that he may have lost the fire to win the title. Muhammad also criticized “The Machine” for his recent antics, specifically calling out his decision to publicize suffering a cut during training.
“Merab has just been posting. I think he’s been doing too much social media, thinking about promoting and being a character instead of training hard for the fight. You’re getting stitches, you’re showing you’re getting stitches, then you’re taking them out with scissors, then you’re drinking in Mexico, and you’re showing all of this stuff that does not need to be documented. All of this stuff does not need to be posted. But I think now he’s in that social media mindset where it’s not about the hunger anymore. It’s not, ‘This is my first time getting this title shot; it took me this long to get here; I can’t let the opportunity pass me up.’ It’s, ‘Let me show the UFC that I can be sold. I can sell myself. I can do this,’ and you’re thinking about other stuff instead of the goal, which is to win the fight.”
Renato Moicano recently cast doubt on fans’ enthusiasm for the trilogy title fight between Alexa Grasso and Valentina Shevchenko at Noche UFC 306.
“Bullet” is slated to meet flyweight champion Grasso in the Octagon for their third—and possibly final—showdown in the co-main event of this highly anticipated pay-per-view, set to unfold this weekend inside the Sphere in Las Vegas, Nevada.
The two fighters first clashed at UFC 285 in March 2023, where Shevchenko lost her 125-pound title to Grasso via a fourth-round rear-naked choke in what had been a razor-close contest. Six months later, they squared off again at the first edition of Noche UFC, but the rematch ended in controversy when one judge scored the bout 47-47, resulting in a split draw that allowed Grasso to retain her flyweight crown.
The moment she took the title 🤯@AlexaGrasso seeks another incredible championship performance at #UFC306!
Now, “Money” echoes similar sentiments, expressing his lack of interest and raising doubts about the necessity of the upcoming showdown…
Moicano Equates Grasso vs. Shevchenko Trilogy with Moreno vs. Figueiredo 3
During a recent episode of Show Me The Money, Moicano delved into the Grasso vs. Shevchenko trilogy, offering his prediction for the upcoming clash alongside co-host Matthew Tanner. The UFC lightweight veteran expressed skepticism about whether the fight has genuinely sparked fan excitement, even admitting he has little interest in watching the bout himself.
“I don’t even care about this fight, to be honest with you,” Moicano said. “Do you want to watch that [fight]?”
Tanner then reminded Moicano of the storyline from the previous two encounters between Grasso and the former flyweight champion, highlighting how their rematch was overshadowed by a controversial scorecard. He also pointed out the age factor between the pair.
“Money” ultimately backed Grasso as the likely victor but drew parallels to the unpredictable nature of the Brandon Moreno vs. Deiveson Figueiredo trilogy.
“[I will pick] Alexa Grasso just because you say all that stuff, brother. I’m not falling for it. I would not put that on a parlay because, in the first fight, Valentina was winning and then got caught by the choke, and in the second one, Valentina should have won, but the judges messed up. Who knows what’s going to happen in the third one? This is like Moreno and Figueiredo—you never know, man.”
Laura Sanko recently pondered whether Valentina Shevchenko’s age might emerge as a crucial variable in her upcoming title fight against Alexa Grasso at Noche UFC 306.
“Bullet” kicked off her dominant reign as the UFC’s 125-pound champion with a decisive unanimous decision win over Hall of Famer Joanna Jedrzejczyk at UFC 231 in December 2018, setting the stage for an unstoppable title run. Shevchenko went on to defend her title an impressive seven times, cementing her legacy. However, her historic run hit a roadblock at UFC 285 in March 2023 when she was stunned by Grasso, succumbing to a shocking fourth-round submission.
Even before her loss to Grasso, Shevchenko, who turned 36 this March, showed signs of vulnerability during her title defense against Taila Santos at UFC 275 in June 2022. However, the Kyrgyz-born Peruvian narrowly avoided an upset, escaping with a razor-thin split-decision victory.
All of this has sparked Sanko to question whether “Bullet’s” age might prove to be a deciding factor in the trilogy bout against Grasso…
Sanko Wonders If Shevchenko’s Best Days Are Behind Her
During a recent episode of One On One | MMA with Din Thomas, Sanko dove into a discussion about the upcoming Grasso vs. Shevchenko showdown. The UFC’s first female commentator posed an intriguing question to Thomas, asking whether the former flyweight queen could still maintain her razor-sharp edge at 36 or if time has begun to dull her once-dominant prowess.
“Can you make that adjustment at 36?” Sanko asked. “I can say that as a mature woman of nearly 42. 36 is, you know, it’s not old, but it’s the beginning of what we call old in MMA. It’s the beginning of that if we’re being honest. So, I guess my question to you is: Can she make those adjustments at this stage in her career?”
Thomas responded by acknowledging that while he’s not ruling out Shevchenko’s chances against Grasso, he believes 36 is the age when fighters often begin to struggle with the psychological demands of the sport, which could impact their performance.
“The hard part is, physically, I think you could make them, but at 36, what I’m talking about is more psychological. At 36, you’re just in a different place psychologically, and you’re thinking about vacation and bills and what you’re going to do after the fight. Now, that may not be what we admit to, but that’s just what happens. We don’t like to admit that, but you just don’t want to slap a person in the face anymore after 36. It just… I don’t know if she can make those adjustments, but I’m not gonna count her out.”
Prior to her defeat against Grasso, Shevchenko hadn’t lost to anyone in the UFC aside from Amanda Nunes. However, history has shown that many fighters over the age of 35 tend to exhibit signs of decline in their performances. This makes it all the more interesting to see how Shevchenko will rise to the challenge against Grasso, who is not only four years younger but brimming with momentum.
“Golden Boy” earned his spot in the UFC with a commanding unanimous decision victory over Lucas Almeida on Dana White’s Contender Series in September 2021. However, his promotional debut a year later didn’t unfold as planned, as he suffered the sole defeat of his professional career at the hands of Trey Ogden.
Despite this setback, the 25-year-old Mexican rebounded impressively, stringing together a three-fight win streak. Most recently, Zellhuber secured a decisive victory over Francisco Prado at UFC Fight Night in Mexico this past February.
Noche UFC 306 offers Zellhuber a prime opportunity to steal the spotlight as he aims to ascend the ranks of the highly competitive lightweight division, with his sights set on securing a title shot in the near future…
Zellhuber Sets Sights On Veterans To Break Into Lightweight Rankings
During a recent interview on Verse Us with Eric Nicksick, “Golden Boy” shared his aspirations for the future, emphasizing that a potential victory over Ribovics at Noche UFC 306 could serve as the launch pad for his rapidly rising career.
“I always have a plan with the team where I wanted to take my time,” Zellhuber said. “But again, now that I’m more confident in my skill set and more comfortable fighting and, you know, doing all these things, growing as an athlete, I feel that this fight is my way to put the entire 155-pound division on notice. I want to win this fight, and after that, I want a former top 15 opponent, like somebody who was already in the rankings.”
Zellhuber further expressed his desire to face seasoned divisional veterans like Michael Johnson or Bobby Green as his pathway to breaking into the rankings. Afterward, the DWCS graduate aims to take on highly ranked contenders by 2026, with the ultimate goal of challenging for the lightweight title in 2027.
“I have Michael Johnson on my mind, even Bobby Green. It’s funny because I talk with Chase Hooper on Instagram. I texted him like, ‘Hey, you want to fight?’ and he answered me. Then it’s funny because we ended up being kind of like friends. I was trying to talk bullsh*t, but it didn’t work. I want one of those guys who was already there but is recently coming out [of rankings]. Then, by the end of next year, I want to fight a top 15 opponent, and start 2026 with a top 10, close the year with a top five, and then in 2027, a championship fight. I like to have everything planned. I feel that’s also why I’m being successful in my career because I don’t like to do things just like, ‘Yeah, let’s do this.’”
Umar Nurmagomedov would appear to be next in line for whoever comes out on top in this weekend’s UFC 306 main event.
Champion Sean O’Malley looks to earn his second title defense when he takes on Merab Dvalishvili at the Sphere.
However, in the lead up to this fight, Dvalishvili has explained why he doesn’t believe that Nurmagomedov is currently at the front of the pack.
The cousin of Khabib Nurmagomedov is undefeated at 18-0 but his only win over a ranked opponent was his most recent outing against Cory Sandhagen, which elevated him all the way to the #2-spot.
Kamaru Usman Argues Why Merab Dvalishvili Should Be Lobbying For Umar Nurmagomedov Fight Next
On a recent appearance on the Pound 4 Pound podcast with Kamaru Usman and Henry Cejudo, Dvalishvili once again explained why he doesn’t think Nurmagomedov has got enough high-level wins to justify a title shot.
After hearing Dvalishvili’s reasoning, he looked to get across to him why fighting Nurmagomedov should be an option that he considers rather than disregarding him.
“The Nigerian Nightmare” spoke about how it’s important for a champion to make the most of their time at the top by getting the biggest possible fights out there, which right now in the bantamweight division, means taking on the undefeated contender.
“I get it, if we’re going by the rankings senses, it makes more sense 100% but, at the same time, we have to understand and I want you to understand this. This is one thing I’m gonna tell you Merab. If by God’s grace you are the champion, you have to understand that as the champion, now I have to use this belt, this position to accumulate as much income as I can at that time because time waits for nobody.
“At some point, we’re gonna get old, we’re going to change and the belt is going to change hands, there’s going to be new champions even whether you retire the champion or not. There’s going to be a new champion so the job, the goal, is to pull in as much as you can while you’re in that position and we can’t deny that a fight with a guy like yourself and Umar Nurmagomedov would be a bigger sell than a fight with Deiveson Figueiredo at this time, even though Figueiredo is still, I think, a big name.
Sterling’s reign came to an end at UFC 292 last year where he was stopped by Sean O’Malley in the second round.
Sterling debated whether the referee on that night, Marc Goddard, was guilty of an early stoppage and this is something that Dvalishvili has been very vocal about.
Merab Dvalishvili Says He Wants To Prove That Sean O’Malley Was ‘Lucky’
During a recent appearance on the Pound 4 Pound podcast with Kamaru Usman and Henry Cejudo, Dvalishvili spoke passionately about his thoughts on the Sterling vs O’Malley fight.
He doesn’t see why the official would call the action when he did because despite the defending champion being dropped, he continued to move before taking several follow-up shots that led to Goddard stepping in.
The challenger says that this gives him more motivation ahead of September 14 where he wants to show that “Suga” had luck on his side on that night in Boston.
“I want to win this fight and I want to show the world he’s just a regular [guy] and he just got lucky because yeah, he did throw punch, he did clip Aljamain Sterling but Marc Goddard really helped him because when Aljo was down, he was keep moving, he was trying to grab the leg, he was moving and where Marc Goddard called him to move, he moved and then he stopped. If you tell him move and then he move, why you stop it you know. Me, when I fight, before the fight in locker room when referee comes I always tell referee, ‘Hey, if I get clipped, don’t stop me. Let me fight, I rather sleep, I rather die. Then, of course, you stop me but long as I’m moving, I’m doing something, please don’t stop me because I don’t need you.’
“Aljo was still in this fight but I was so mad when Marc Goddard stop the fight early again. So yeah, this is also like you said Henry, this is avenge this loss.”
MMA is truly a global sport and we’re watching first hand as new regions become serious hotbeds for nurturing talent.
All it takes is for one fighter from a certain part of the world to have some success and the right infrastructure to be put in place, and it can lead to a revolution.
That’s happening right now in Mexico following the investment that the UFC has made with things like the Performance Institute in Mexico City.
After Brandon Moreno became the first Mexican-born UFC champion back in 2021, which was quickly followed by Alexa Grasso and Yair Rodríguez (interim title), it was clear this would inspire more young people in Mexico to train in mixed martial arts.
Though there’s certainly a larger Mexican presence in the sport right now than ever before, that’s only going to continue growing in the future.
Israel Adesanya Says Mexico Can Become A Leading Country In Mixed Martial Arts
Mexico already has such an incredible legacy in combat sports due to the country having boxing as its national sport, and Israel Adesanya is excited to watch that continue to grow in MMA.
In his preview for the second annual Noche UFC event this weekend with UFC 306 taking place inside the Sphere, the former two-time middleweight champion spoke about how Mexico could become a major player in the sport in years to come.
“That from boxing, a lot of kids who would have maybe gone into boxing would start doing MMA and not just doing kickboxing or Jiu-Jitsu, like MMA as a whole and then it’s going to be, in a few generations you’ll see like a wave of Mexican fighters who have that Mexican spirit. You’ll see them like just dominating the UFC. Could be, who knows how many generations but kind of is already happening slowly.”
With Mexican talent from top to bottom, Adesanya rounded out his thoughts by saying that this weekend’s card should be a fantastic display of that fighting spirit that Mexican fighters are so well known for.
“I look forward to it. I like seeing Mexicans, like I think even with this card, it’s going to bring that spirit. I think you’re going to see some crazy fights, some really crazy fights just cuz the essence of Mexican fighting.”
McGregor posted a video of his return to sparring on social media, showing him working quite extensively on his clinch game, defending some takedowns and of course, landing his legendary left hand.
Though this would seem to be an encouraging sign that the wheels are once again beginning to turn, we have been here several times in recent history.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XmCOhw5ssx0
MMA Fans React To Conor McGregor’s Return To Sparring In New Footage
Suffice to say that the fans who commented below the footage posted on The Mac Life’s YouTube channel weren’t overly impressed by what they were seeing.
There has been a lot of clips of McGregor sparring in recent months and that has seemingly led to two conclusions.
One being that this doesn’t necessarily mean his return is drawing closer and two, that the videos are all fairly similar to one another.
“All of these Conor sparring videos seem like a never ending bad fever dream at this point.”
“2days off the coke looking good”
“I love Conor but I’m so sick of this footage already. I see zero progression, it’s like he lives in an echo chamber of yes men. How has no one told him how stiff he’s gotten? How has no one showed him how much his stance has changed and affected his fighting? Like this footage is useless.”
“Is it a requirement for his sparring partners to never throw anything back?? Can’t improve when all u do is beat up low level guys.”
“Year 2033: Conor has released a new sparring footage and calls out out the champions of every weight class.”
“Sparring champion that’s about it coz that’s all he does”
“His sparring partners are told to not push him to boost his confidence, but thats the problem, he never have a ‘normal’ sparrings that actually make him uncomfortable as a result he gets knocked the fak out.”
There was a time a few weeks ago, however, when some feared for the matchup’s place on the card after Dvalishvili revealed a deep-looking cut sustained in training on social media.
“The Machine’s” decision to publicly display the cut caused debate, with the UFC CEO being among those unimpressed by Dvalishvili’s antics.
“The whole world knows about Merab’s cut. He posted it. Our guys are so dumb, it’s next-level unbelievable,” White said during a DWCS press conference. “All the stuff I talk about boxing, what I will give boxing, is when something happens in a camp, man, let me tell you what, it does not leak. Our guys can’t f*cking wait to throw it up on social media.
“It’s a small cut. It’s no big deal. But obviously, it needed to be posted,” White continued. “Why the f*ck would you want him to know that? It is next-level stupid. Some of these guys are so stupid it’s mind-boggling. It’s unbelievable.”
Longo On Dvalishvili’s Cut: ‘One Thing Dana Was Really Wrong On…’
During a recent interview with Kevin Iole, Longo looked ahead to Dvalishvili’s long-awaited first opportunity to reach the mountaintop in the UFC.
The veteran trainer was asked about the cut suffered by the Georgian in training, which became one of the hottest topics in the lead-up to Noche UFC 306.
Longo dismissed the importance of revealing such a blemish to an opponent like O’Malley, and he strongly pushed back on White’s reaction to “The Machine’s” social media activity.
“I’m not the social media guy, so I don’t get it. But you have to expect this sh*t with these kids today. They film everything. They film tying their shoelaces,” Longo said. “He’s been a camera guy since the second I met him. He’s crazy with the camera. But look, if it was a knee injury, I’d say that would be a problem. Now you’re gonna target something. (But) he’s gonna get cut in the fight. It is what it is. He’s gonna get punched in the face. … A cut’s a cut, and if it opens up, I don’t think it’ll have an impact on the fight.
“One thing Dana was really wrong on was he called him a dummy. He’s far from a dummy,” Longo continued. “(Dvalishvili’s) very intelligent. He’s a humble guy, got humble beginnings. He’s fighting for his country. There’s certain guys that that type of sh*t means a lot. He’s one of them. He’s (O’Malley’s) gonna have to beat this kid dead, that I guarantee you.”
Dvalishvili will look to display a different type of intelligence come fight night in Las Vegas on Saturday by using his fight IQ to secure a memorable title crowning inside the Sphere.
His opportunity to do so comes in the final fight of the 10-fight lineup, on which he’ll mark the second championship challenger to make the walk after Valentina Shevchenko’s attempt to achieve two-time status at Alexa Grasso’s expense.
While “The Machine” trains in Las Vegas with John Wood these days, he’s still expected to have the likes of coach Longo and teammate Sterling in his corner this weekend.
Israel Adesanya Says Teammate Navajo Stirling Is The Evolved Version Of Him
Though Adesanya knew that people were going to compare Stirling to his game, “The Last Stylebender” says that it’s not that simple.
Both men are very technical strikers that use their range and accuracy to pick opponents apart, which is what Stirling did earlier this week.
However, Adesanya believes there’s a clear difference between them as he referred to his teammate as the evolved version of himself in a recent YouTube video.
In his Contender Series fight, Stirling looked to showcase some of his grappling skills in the first round and though he was unsuccessful at securing the takedown, it demonstrated his willingness to compete in all ranges.
The former two-time UFC middleweight champion said that this is what separates the two of them.
“Navajo is his own beast and you’ll see his own style show. If you think he’s like me now, I think he’s better than me like he’s evolved like the next version because of his grappling intelligence as well, which I have but I just don’t use them but he actually uses it and yeah. Maybe because he’s young, 26, skilled.”
Noche UFC (UFC 306) is now only a couple of days away, and what better way to get hyped for the upcoming pay-per-view than with some MMA News staff predictions?
The main event will see Sean O’Malley make his second defense of the middleweight title. Following his crowning at the expense of Aljamain Sterling, “Sugar” stalled the championship ambitions of Marlon Vera this past March. He’s now tasked with repeating the feat against a teammate of Sterling’s, charging Georgian Merab Dvalishvili.
Elsewhere on the main card, the fast-rising Diego Lopes once again looks to reach the top five at the expense of Brian Ortega, while Mexican prospects Daniel Zellhuber and Ronaldo Rodriguez hope to make the most of their positions on the prominent card.
Noche UFC 306: MMA News Staff Predictions
Ahead of Saturday’s Noche UFC event, Kyle Dimond, Ryan Jarrell, Thomas Albano, Andrew Starc, Pranav Pandey, and Aakrit Sharma have provided their picks for the five matchups set for the main card.
Below, you can check out the current leaderboard through five cards.
Thomas Albano (19-5)
Ryan Jarrell (15-9)
Kyle Dimond (13-11)
Andrew Starc (7-7)
Pranav Pandey (1-4)
Aakrit Sharma (0-0)
And with that, it’s time for the team’s predictions for Noche UFC 306.
Flyweight: Ronaldo Rodriguez vs. Ode’ Osbourne
Images: UFC.com
Kyle Dimond: Osbourne has fought some very tough opposition during his UFC career, but the back-to-back losses are the major concern here. On this night of all nights, it feels like the Mexican fighters are going to have some added momentum, which I think will carry Rodriguez through here by way of a submission. (Prediction: Ronaldo Rodriguez)
Ryan Jarrell: Rodriguez looked impressive in his UFC debut, winning by submission in the second round over Denys Bondar. Meanwhile, this will be Osbourne’s tenth fight inside the UFC Octagon. Osbourne has been stopped in his last two fights and desperately needs to secure a win or possibly face losing his job in the world’s largest promotion. This is a tough fight to pick because I expect Osbourne to come out dialed in and looking his best. Rodriguez is the favorite and I can see a path to victory for the younger fighter, but I am picking Osbourne to show some grit and win a tough fought decision. (Prediction: Ode’ Osbourne)
Thomas Albano: Rodriguez has been on an absolute tear ever since his 2020 loss on Dana White’s Contender Series. He’s won six straight, which includes four finishes – with Rodriguez winning his UFC debut by way of a second-round submission of Bondar. Osbourne has proven to be an exciting fighter in his own right. However, momentum is just simply not on his side. And when you look at the capabilities of both men, Rodriguez’s wrestling is more effective, and his fighting style is more dynamic. Rodriguez is continuing to develop into a well-rounded fighter, and this should help him to another finish on a big stage. (Prediction: Ronaldo Rodriguez)
Andrew Starc: Rodriguez is coming into this one off a submission win against Bondar in his UFC debut this past February. The 25-year-old Mexican is unbeaten in his last six fights, while Osbourne has lost three of his last four, including two via submission. Given the lack of grappling defense Osbourne displayed in his last bout, I think he might be ripe for a another sub in this one. (Prediction: Ronaldo Rodriguez)
Pranav Pandey: Rodriguez may still be flying under the radar, but he’s an absolute force inside the cage. His stunning submission victory over Bondar in his debut made it clear he’s anything but his “Lazy Boy” moniker. Rodriguez brings relentless forward pressure and pairs it with elite grappling skills, making him a dangerous opponent for anyone. On the other hand, Osbourne faces some tough questions about his recent form. Having been caught in submissions in his last two fights, along with showing signs of wear from previous battles, I just can’t envision this fight unfolding in favor of “The Jamaican Sensation.” (Prediction: Ronaldo Rodriguez)
Aakrit Sharma: Rodriguez showed toughness in his UFC debut and proved that he poses a submission threat on the ground as well. Osbourne, meanwhile, is coming off two straight submission losses and is unlikely to want the fight on the ground. I believe Rodriguez is the better fighter everywhere despite Osbourne boasting more experience in the UFC. Although “Lazy Boy” should try to take Osbourne down as a submission is his easiest path to victory, I’m predicting a knockout win for him. Osbourne tends to strike with his hands down, giving a sniper like Rodriguez a ton of space to land the perfect knockout blow. (Prediction: Ronaldo Rodriguez)
Consensus: 5-1 Ronaldo Rodriguez
Lightweight: Daniel Zellhuber vs. Esteban Ribovics
Images: UFC.com
Kyle Dimond: This should be an absolute firecracker. Ribovics has got some frightening finishes to his name and I think he will test Zellhuber early. That classic Mexican heart is going to be on display here, and I’ve seen more from Zellhuber to suggest that he will do better once this fight goes into deep waters. I expect it to be a barnburner which, slowly, Zellhuber will start to take over in with his pressure and output en route to a TKO finish. (Prediction: Daniel Zellhuber)
Ryan Jarrell: This fight very well could be your fight of the night. Zellhuber has an eight-inch reach advantage and if he uses it effectively, it could be a long night for Ribovics. Having said that, Zellhuber has to be extremely careful with the power that his opponent possesses. We saw Ribovics kick Terrance McKinney into the shadow realm in his last fight, and he has the ability to do it in this fight too. Regardless, I expect Zellhuber to use his reach and fight smartly en route to a decision victory. (Prediction: Daniel Zellhuber)
Thomas Albano: This should be a fun matchup featuring a pair of up-and-coming lightweights. Both men are very talented strikers, and we could be in for a really underrated matchup. Since his win over Lucas Almeida on Dana White’s Contender Series, Zellhuber has won three of four fights he’s had in the UFC, with wins over Lando Vannata, Christos Giagos, and Francisco Prado. Ribovics, meanwhile, has won two of three fights he’s had since his DWCS appearance, including a 37-second knockout of McKinney in May.
If Ribovics is able to get in and land a couple of powerful shots, Zellhuber could find himself in trouble. I, however, feel Zellhuber will be mindful of his distance and look to land from the outside, making solid usage of his significant reach advantage. (Prediction: Daniel Zellhuber)
Andrew Starc: The rangy Zellhuber brings an all-round skillset of striking and grappling to this encounter, along with a three-fight win streak. Ribovics, meanwhile, is coming off a 37-second KO of McKinney in May — one of many knockouts and submissions on his résumé. This will be a contest between two young DWCS alums that I think will be decided by Zellhuber’s superior grappling. (Prediction: Daniel Zellhuber)
Pranav Pandey: This could be an absolute barnburner as both fighters bring well-rounded skillsets to the table. “Golden Boy” enters as the clear favorite, largely due to his significant reach advantage, which could dictate the pace of the fight. Yet, underestimating “El Gringo” would be a mistake. Ribovics not only has the defensive sharpness to evade Zellhuber’s striking but also packs powerful punches that, when paired with his well-timed takedowns, make him a dangerous and unpredictable opponent.
I anticipate this fight unfolding primarily in the striking department, with Ribovics likely keeping his distance and looking to land heavy shots from the outside. The real intrigue, however, lies in how Zellhuber responds, as he’s just as explosive as his opponent. (Prediction: Esteban Ribovics)
Aakrit Sharma: This is my Fight of the Night contender because both fighters are unlikely to shoot for a takedown and have different yet exciting striking styles. “Golden Boy” is a master at managing distance and keeping opponents at bay through teep kicks and knees during the clinch. Ribovics, on the other hand, is a powerful striker who likes to trade in the pocket. His cardio will be an extremely effective tool in this fight, and his pace and power remain the same throughout all three rounds.
Zellhuber’s last win against Prado was extremely impressive as he was more active with punches, kicks, and knees and didn’t get hit a lot like his previous fights. The Mexican struggles against high-paced opponents, though, and Ribovics excels at landing big combinations out of nowhere. Both strikers have a solid chin, so my prediction is Zellhuber to win via decision. (Prediction: Daniel Zellhuber)
Consensus: 5-1 Daniel Zellhuber
Featherweight: Brian Ortega vs. Diego Lopes
Images: UFC.com
Kyle Dimond: When this fight was originally booked for UFC 303, I went with Lopes on the back of his recent form whilst making a note to say that it seems to always be forgotten just how good Ortega is because he’s not that active. Well, after some more time to think about it, I’m going the opposite way.
It does worry me that Lopes throws a lot and Ortega takes too much punishment, even in his wins. I can see this fight being close and I think I’d probably pick Lopes if he had another two rounds to work with. Over three, I think Ortega might be able to hit UFC 306 with another ‘y’all must have forgot’ performance. Or, you could say that to steal a pro wrestling term, I’m going for 50:50 booking.
I picked Lopes last time so I’ll pick Ortega this time. Considering how hard this one is to call, I have no shame in that. (Prediction: Brian Ortega)
Ryan Jarrell: This fight is very interesting on so many levels. When these two were initially matched up, I picked Ortega to get the win. Lopes is someone who is still evolving and has not reached his prime yet. I don’t think we can say the same thing about Ortega. “T-City” had a memorable win over Yair Rodríguez in his last UFC fight and it would be no surprise to see him notch another as an underdog. Having said that, I have to go with the younger fighter here. This would be the biggest win of Lopes’ career thus far, and I think he gets it. (Prediction: Diego Lopes)
Thomas Albano: This is a huge opportunity for Ortega – and an even bigger opportunity for Lopes. Over a year-and-a-half after suffering a shoulder injury against Rodríguez, Ortega returned in a big way by submitting him in spectacular fashion in February. Spectacular is also the word to describe Lopes’ time in the Octagon thus far. Just four fights into the UFC, he’s had a narrow loss to Movsar Evloev and highlight finishes of Gavin Tucker, Pat Sabatini, and Sodiq Yusuff.
This should be one of the best fights on the card. It’s a big step up to be taking on a two-time title challenger, but it’s the biggest opportunity of Lopes’ life – and he needs to make the most of it. And the thing is, he has the capability to get it done. “T-City” might be tough to finish with a solid chin, but Lopes possesses some explosive speed and power with his striking. Even on the ground, the up-and-comer could be able to duel in grappling with Ortega with his jiu-jitsu experience. Lopes, in fact, has more wins via submission in his MMA career than he holds KO/TKOs. If he continues his run with the kind of circumstances he’s facing here, one can only imagine the kind of major doors that will open for him. (Prediction: Diego Lopes)
Andrew Starc: This is a huge step up in competition for Lopes. Ortega is coming off a submission win against Rodríguez in February, while the Brazilian has racked up three first-round finishes in the past year. Lopes is the bigger man with huge KO power, and both fighters have good grappling. However, I think if “T-City” survives a first-round onslaught from Lopes, his experience will see him get the win. (Prediction: Brian Ortega)
Pranav Pandey: This is easily my favorite matchup on the card, as I believe it has all the ingredients to be the show-stealer of the night. Lopes is on an absolute tear right now, boasting impeccable credentials with knockout potential and a formidable grappling game to match. He poses a serious threat to Ortega, potentially being one of his toughest challenges to date. However, “T-City” is as tough as they come, showcasing sharp boxing skills with impressive volume striking. But what truly sets him apart is his ability to completely shift the momentum when the fight hits the mat. My only concern is whether his durability might be starting to wane.
Both fighters have a warrior’s mentality and won’t back down until the final bell. While Lopes has the edge with his youth and sharpness, Ortega’s resilience is a key factor that can’t be overlooked. He has the ability to turn the tide in the later rounds but must remain cautious of getting caught by the Brazilian’s strikes. Otherwise, “T-City” has the experience and savvy to steal the fight when it matters most. (Prediction: Brian Ortega)
Aakrit Sharma: It’s outrageous to me that Ortega is the underdog against Lopes. The Brazilian prospect has shown resilience and well-roundedness in his UFC fights so far, but Ortega has shared the Octagon for 25 minutes with the likes of Alexander Volkanovski and Max Holloway. Because the fight is three rounds, I’m not expecting either fighter to get finished. Instead, it could be a back-and-forth brawl on the feet with some exceptionally slick scrambles in between. My prediction is for Ortega to win by decision, and his experience fighting way superior competition will be a key factor in the bout. (Prediction: Brian Ortega)
Consensus: 4-2 Brian Ortega
UFC Women’s Flyweight Title: Alexa Grasso vs. Valentina Shevchenko
Images: UFC.com
Kyle Dimond: There’s a lot of factors that point to this being Grasso’s time to close out this trilogy, but there are a few issues with that — one being that Valentina Shevchenko is a bit good, and two, I can see there being a fourth fight if “Bullet” reclaims the belt. The former champ just refuses to let the division move on, but I do think that Grasso has enough to win another close fight. The first time, she capitalized on a mistake. The second time, she looked as good as we’ve seen her. I think that trajectory is going to keep climbing here. (Prediction: Alexa Grasso)
Ryan Jarrell: I cannot wait to see what unfolds in this trilogy fight. The former champion is now 36 years old and I think it’s fair to say not in her prime anymore. But I think Shevchenko is still good enough to pick up this win and reclaim the title. Grasso is definitely a tough out and matches up well with the veteran. I would not be surprised if she defends her title and closes this chapter in her career. It’s just hard for me to pick against Shevchenko. I won’t be placing a huge bet on this fight, but give me “Bullet” to win a decision here. (Prediction: Valentina Shevchenko)
Thomas Albano: It’s always great to see a trilogy fight, and considering the circumstances of their first two fights, this will really be enjoyable. We’ve never had a women’s trilogy fight in UFC history until tonight, and so while O’Malley vs. Dvalishvili is the main event, this fight (containing a Mexican-born UFC champion) should have a lot of focus.
If there is something that the first two fights between Grasso and Shevchenko have shown, it’s that Grasso is not afraid and can take it to the longtime former champion. Whether it’s grappling or the clinch, Grasso seems to have an edge. Of course, Shevchenko is known for her crisp, technical, sometimes powerful striking and being able to land from range. Shevchenko is also one of the more unpredictable and creative strikers in the cage with her fighting style, so she can never be counted out of the fight. Shevchenko performed well in both previous outings, but neither fight went her way given that she got caught in the first fight (to Grasso’s credit) and the debatable judges’ cards in the second fight (again, to Grasso’s credit on her own performance).
Though Grasso has gotten the better of Shevchenko twice already, Shevchenko is a smart, dedicated fighter who has definitely learned from the first two outings. Not everyone is ready to consider her no longer the top dog at 125 pounds, and she may very well bring a new plan into this third fight after taking in both of their 2023 outings. My feeling is that “Bullet” reclaims her throne in another competitive outing that may prove to be one of, if not the, best women’s UFC fights in 2024. (Prediction: Valentina Shevchenko)
Andrew Starc: The Shevchenko who a few years ago seemed unassailable is perhaps no longer. 36 years old now, she’s facing an opponent in Grasso who, while maybe not as technically gifted, is certainly in her prime. You could argue Shevchenko was the more dominant in their two previous meetings, and Grasso only clinched victory the first time due to Shevchenko’s slip up. This one could go either way, but it just seems like Grasso is going to pull off the win. (Prediction: Alexa Grasso)
Pranav Pandey: Grasso and Shevchenko now stand on equal footing, with each fighter well-versed in the intricacies of the other’s skills and fighting style thanks to their previous encounters. On paper, “Bullet” seems to outclass the reigning champion in nearly every aspect — whether it’s her unconventional striking, defensive grappling, or overall skillset. However, what sets Grasso apart is her freshness, giving her a physical sharpness advantage over the more battle-worn Shevchenko. Moreover, Grasso carries a surge of confidence from her previous success against Shevchenko, which could be a decisive factor in their next showdown.
Shevchenko brings a menacing arsenal of striking threats, where one misstep from her opponent could lead to an early night. However, in her recent outings, she’s revealed glaring vulnerabilities against skilled grapplers, a weakness Grasso can exploit. If the Mexican plays her cards right and capitalizes on these openings, she has a strong path to victory. (Prediction: Alexa Grasso)
Aakrit Sharma: In their last outing, Shevchenko showed glimpses of a dominant force against Grasso throughout five rounds. She was getting the better of the striking exchanges and could secure four takedowns with over eight minutes of control time. However, the UFC women’s flyweight champion had a couple of huge moments like the second-round knockdown and the ground control in the last frame that made the fight a lot closer than it threatened to be at times.
Although Grasso is unbeaten in two fights against Shevchenko and “Bullet” no longer looks invincible in the Octagon, it’s hard to bet against her. The former champ will still have a massive power advantage and, with the right adjustments, she should be able to get a decision win over Grasso at UFC 306. Grasso’s very tough and has good jiu-jitsu, so I wouldn’t predict a submission or finish win for Shevchenko. (Prediction: Valentina Shevchenko)
Consensus: 3-3
UFC Bantamweight Title: Sean O’Malley vs. Merab Dvalishvili
Images: Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC & @ufc/X
Kyle Dimond: This fight is going to be fascinating because of two big questions. We’ve seen Dvalishvili get hurt in the past and survive, but will he be able to do that against a sniper like O’Malley? And how will “Suga” fare against a pressure fighter like “Merab”The Machine.” This has become a real coin flip pick for me in the weeks leading up to this fight but I am going to side with and new.
I don’t see the challenger as someone who is going to lose confidence in this fight if he can’t close that gap or if he gets hurt when doing so. I think O’Malley will more than hold his own but I can also see him being stifled at points in this fight, which will give Dvalishvili the rounds he needs to take home the bantamweight title. (Prediction: Merab Dvalishvili)
Ryan Jarrell: There was a time when I was absolutely convinced that Dvalishvili would eventually be the bantamweight champion and the man to dethrone O’Malley. But I have been slowly losing my confidence in picking the Georgian to get the job done. The main reason is because of how many openings he leaves when closing distance. “Suga” is a sniper and so precise with his punching placement. I just believe that over 25 minutes, there will be a moment when Dvalishvili gets caught and O’Malley capitalizes for the TKO finish. (Prediction: Sean O’Malley)
Thomas Albano: O’Malley’s rise to the UFC bantamweight championship has been nothing short of spectacular and star-making. Having said that, he’s taking on a man who probably would have received a title shot a lot sooner if he was willing to fight his friend and teammate in former champion Aljamain Sterling. O’Malley seems to continue to get better with every fight, but Dvalishvili presents a unique challenge that he hasn’t faced before – and perhaps the toughest that he’s ever faced.
Though it sounds generic to say, this one truly is a striker vs. grappler matchup, and whoever dictates control of the fight determines how this one is going to go. If Dvalishvili is as dominant with his takedowns and his wrestling as we’ve seen him be in the Octagon, it’s going to be a long night for “The Suga Show” and his fanbase. But if O’Malley has really worked on his takedown defense and his wrestling, then he can keep this fight standing, where it will be a great night for him.
Unfortunately for O’Malley and his fans (or for me in case I get this wrong!), I feel like unless I see Dvalishvili be stopped in his relentless takedown pursuits, I’m not going to doubt him. And considering this may be Dvalishvili’s only opportunity at the 135-pound gold after just serving as Sterling’s “bodyguard” of sorts when he was champion, I don’t think Dvalishvili is going to just let this opportunity slip through his fingers. (Prediction: Merab Dvalishvili)
Andrew Starc: Dvalishvili’s relentless wrestling and cardio seem the antidote to O’Malley’s phenomenal striking, but how will the Georgian perform under the pressure of his first title fight? Also factoring into his chances is the fact that Dvalishvili revealed to the world a cut that’s prime for targeted shots from O’Malley, and that he could possibly have a staph infection. O’Malley seems the sort of fighter that steps up a notch in big title fights, and I think he’s going to use his striking to get the win here. (Prediction: Sean O’Malley)
Pranav Pandey: In my view, Dvalishvili poses a formidable threat to Sean O’Malley, primarily due to his relentless pace and suffocating wrestling style, which has consistently left his opponents gasping for air. Yet, “Suga” isn’t one to back down easily. With his exceptional takedown defense and uncanny ability to capitalize on his reach, he’s more than capable of turning a potential wrestling clinic into a striking showcase.What truly sets O’Malley apart, though, is his sharp counter-striking, which could serve as a perfect antidote to Dvalishvili’s forward pressure. His precision and timing allow him to exploit even the slightest openings, forcing opponents to rethink their approach.
I anticipate the early rounds will see both fighters engage in a tactical chess match, cautiously gauging each other’s rhythm and distance, with neither willing to overcommit too early. While “The Machine” has proven time and again that he can push the pace, O’Malley presents a different challenge. His precision striking could sap Dvalishvili’s energy reserves faster than expected. Dvalishvili’s susceptibility to being hit, particularly around the temple, perfectly aligns with O’Malley’s prowess as a devastating headhunter with fight-ending power. While Dvalishvili has the endurance to push the fight into deep waters, evading “Suga’s” pinpoint strikes will be an immense task , though the Georgian has the resilience to pull it off. (Prediction: Merab Dvalishvili)
Aakrit Sharma: Din Thomas rightly predicts that this fight won’t be a back-and-forth. Either Dvalishvili’s wrestling will overwhelm O’Malley for five straight rounds or the champ’s takedown defense and clean striking won’t allow the Georgian to be as relentless as he usually is. O’Malley has really underrated grappling. Petr Yan could take him down at will but “Suga” didn’t take much damage on the ground and hopped back up in several creative ways. He’s improved drastically since that fight, and his ability to hit you as soon as you enter the pocket should be a problem for Dvalishvili. O’Malley’s knees should also serve him well against a grappler like Dvalishvili.
If the fight goes the distance, “The Machine” will most likely get the nod, but my prediction is O’Malley winning via KO before the fourth begins. (Prediction: Sean O’Malley)
Consensus: 3-3
That’ll do it for our Noche UFC 306 staff picks! What do you think? Do your picks look similar? Let us know in the comments section! Also, you can check out the full Noche UFC 306 card below.
Main Card:
Bantamweight Championship Main Event: Sean O’Malley (C) vs. Merab Dvalishvili
Flyweight Championship Co-Main Event: Alexa Grasso (C) vs. Valentina Shevchenko
Featherweight: Brian Ortega vs. Diego Lopes
Lightweight: Daniel Zellhuber vs. Esteban Ribovics
Flyweight: Ronaldo Rodriguez vs. Ode’ Osbourne
Preliminary Card:
Bantamweight: Raul Rosas Jr. vs. Aoriqileng
Bantamweight: Irena Aldana vs. Norma Dumont
Lightweight: Manuel Torres vs. Ignacio Bahamondes
Flyweight: Edgar Cháirez vs. Kevin Borjas
Strawweight: Yazmin Jauregui vs. Ketlen Souza
Be sure to keep it right here on MMANews.com tomorrow for all the results, highlights, and updates on Noche UFC 306!
Tasked with topping the lineup are two champions in bantamweight kingpin Sean O’Malley and flyweight queen Alexa Grasso. Before “Sugar” defends against Merab Dvalishvili in the main event, the Mexican will complete her trilogy with Valentina Shevchenko.
Different predictions are flying for the contest, which comes a few months after their UFC 303 co-headliner fell through on the day of the event due to sickness suffered by “T-City.”
After that debacle, Sonnen sees the fight as one of the most highly anticipated of the year. But the ex-middleweight and light heavyweight contender doesn’t believe the promotion has done justice to that…
Sonnen: There Is A ‘Very Bizarre Feel’ Around Ortega vs. Lopes
During a video recently uploaded to his YouTube channel, Sonnen looked ahead to this weekend’s major PPV event in Las Vegas, specifically the most marquee bout on the undercard.
That has baffled “The American Gangster,” who went as far as to describe the fight as one of the most “sought-after” of 2024 thus far.
“Brian Ortega, Diego Lopes — this thing is so wildly interesting,” Sonnen said. “Talk about a backstory, by the way. You know how helpful that is? … When you promised the world a fight and then all of a sudden you take it away. But it’s not being promoted, guys. Why is that? I’m just asking a question, making an observation. Why is it not being promoted?
“This is one of the most sought-after fights in a period of time. Can I say all of 2024? Short-term memory with a little bit of exaggeration, yeah, it’s one of them. Absolutely it is,” Sonnen continued. “There is a very bizarre feel around this contest. There is a bizarre feel because nobody’s covering the contest! people are not talking about it. People are not getting you hyped up about it. That’s very peculiar. … This is one of the great fights of 2024. This is the most under-promoted fight of 2024.”
While it may not be getting spoken about to the extent it should be in the build-up, both Ortega and Lopes will look to ensure that the leading headlines surround their winning performance on Sunday and the days that follow Noche UFC 306.
For many, UFC Heavyweight Champion Jon Jones is a shoo-in when selecting four names for the Mount Rushmore of MMA. Not for this former fighter, however…
The topic of creating an MMA Mt. Rushmore has returned to the surface this week after UFC CEO Dana White selected his four names during a video for ESPN MMA’s social media channels.
White chose Jones and Georges St-Pierre, two names that were among the consensus picks and widely selected by the MMA Masses. But he caused debate by putting them alongside Conor McGregor and Ronda Rousey.
The list marked a significant change from his Mt. Rushmore from 2020, which saw Jones joined by Amanda Nunes, Chuck Liddell, and Royce Gracie.
Many have been quick to dismiss the presence of “The Notorious” Irishman and “Rowdy” on White’s list, but one former UFC fighter recently took issue with another of his ex-employer’s selections…
Alvey Dismisses Jones’ MMA Mount Rushmore Credentials
The topic of White’s frequent backing of Jones’ greatness and pound-for-pound status has become a running joke in the MMA community. A previous one in years gone by surrounded Sam Alvey, who managed to remain on the roster despite amassing the lengthiest winless streak in the promotion’s history.
Well, when world’s collide…
In the comment section of an MMA Fighting Instagram post detailing White’s Mt. Rushmore picks, Alvey rejected Jones as a worthy candidate for one of the four spots. According to “Smile’n,” the former light heavyweight kingpin hasn’t done enough for the sport and is barely even known outside of it.
“Y’all know I’m not a (Jon) Jones fan. He cheats too much, but he hasn’t done anything that’s spectacular for the sport,” Alvey wrote. “He’s been good for a long time, but his pay-per-view numbers aren’t great, his finishes used to be great, and people outside of the sport can’t name him.
“Ronda and (Conor McGregor) are food (picks), Gracie has to be on it, and honestly, I would put Dana White there,” Alvey added.
Alvey departed the UFC in 2022 after his run without a victory stretched to nine straight fights. He’s since bounced back in one MMA outing and secured a title crowning under the Karate Combat banner.
Had he remained in the UFC till now, perhaps his Jones blasphemy would have marked the tipping point for White anyway…
When all is said and done in his career, UFC Bantamweight Champion Sean O’Malley wants to be part of a conversation that Conor McGregor is not.
Comparisons have long been made between the surging O’Malley and McGregor, the sport’s unrivaled biggest superstar who became the first two-division champion during his prime years in the cage.
While “Sugar” remains in pursuit of the Irishman’s stardom and legacy, he expects to close the gap in a big way and perhaps even replace him as the UFC’s top-drawing name with an emphatic title defense this weekend.
O’Malley has long suggested he has what it takes to replicate the feats of McGregor, his longtime idol. But when his career is concluded, “Sugar” wants to go above and beyond the Dubliner by securing a place in a coveted discussion.
O’Malley Targets GOAT Status, Something McGregor Isn’t In The Running For
During an interview with ESPN, O’Malley looked ahead to his second assignment of the year to date, which sees him top the lineup for the promotion’s second annual celebration of Mexican Independence Day.
As always, an O’Malley fight week has brought up McGregor as a topic, given the parallels many have drawn between their careers and social media presence.
The bantamweight champ, though, insists there’s a major difference in what he’s attempting to achieve in the sport of MMA as compared to the legacy left behind by the inactive Irishman.
“Who brought the most excitement to fights? Conor McGregor, 100 percent,” O’Malley said. “He’s a dork, but it’s the truth. But no one thinks Conor is the greatest of all time. Greatest fighter of all time is Jon Jones, Khabib Nurmagomedov, Islam Makhachev is up there. I’m trying to be both. I’m three fights away from being considered one of the greatest of all time and one of the most exciting of all time. There’s a difference in what I’m trying to do.”
O’Malley will plan on taking a big step closer to joining the likes of Jones and Georges St-Pierre in GOAT talk when he takes to the cage inside the Sphere on Saturday, Sept. 14.
And beyond this weekend’s clash, “Sugar” has long teased a venture up to featherweight in pursuit of ‘champ-champ’ status. Such an accomplishment would no doubt increase his chances of reaching his lofty ambitions on the sport’s biggest stage.
Gilbert Burns recently confessed that his decision to follow advice from multiple nutritionists was a costly error, one that ultimately contributed to his loss against Sean Brady.
Burns was hopeful that a victory over Brady would put him back on the road to championship contention. Heading into fight week, he was confident in both his training and recovery, feeling physically prepared. Yet, he still wasn’t able to perform at his full potential when it mattered most.
The 38-year-old Brazilian was dismayed by his showing. However, in the aftermath of the loss, he has finally pieced together what went wrong in the lead-up to the bout…
Burns Attributes Bad Weight Cut On Confusion With Multiple Nutritionists
During a recent video on his YouTube channel, Burns opened up about his loss to Brady, revealing that his preparation was compromised by poor decision-making. “Durinho” admitted that leading up to the fight, he consulted several nutritionists and then complicated matters by blending their advice with his own approach.
This misstep led to a problematic weight cut, which ultimately reflected in the fight, as he felt lethargic and lacked his usual sharpness in movement.
“Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, I had a lot of energy; I felt great,” Burns said. “But Thursday I had a hard weight cut at night, and Friday morning I had a very hard weight cut in the morning, and I think that was the result. That’s why I think I felt very sluggish. I felt bad, but I do believe it was my recovery. Before I point fingers at everyone, I have my nutritionist, Marcelo Ferro, who does an amazing job. But my mistake was listening to two other nutritionists and the UFC a little bit.”
“So, another nutritionist that is a good friend of mine, Lucas, and coach Carl Gebhardt—I went to California to do all the tasks, and instead of doing the things that I do with Marcelo, I was kind of doing a little bit of coach Carl, a little bit of Marcelo, and a little bit of Lucas. So, at the end of the day, I didn’t follow through with anyone’s plan. I took a little bit from each one and kind of did my own plan. So when I made weight, I did great, but when I saw the recovery, I did a little bit from all three nutritionists, and it kind of didn’t work out.”
Burns said in a backstage interview with the UFC that he’s uncertain about the future of his career. His last victory came at UFC 287 in April 2023 against Jorge Masvidal. “Durinho” once rode the momentum of a six-fight win streak, but since his failed bid at the title against former champion Kamaru Usman at UFC 258 in February 2021, he has struggled to regain his footing with a consistent winning run.
